₦airaland Forum

Many who had followed Baba Suwe’s story would most likely admit that it didn’t come as a surprise when his death was announced on Monday, November 22. As it were, the grim reaper had on few occasions winked at the legendary comic actor since he lost his grove and bubbly old self as result of the health challenges he battled within the twilight of his life in 2019 and 2020 until he passed on. Even before his death, mischief makers had made this jolly good fellow a victim of death through rumours.
But heartwarming it is and in true appreciation of his acting skills and memory, fans of the late thespian have been paying tribute to him since his demise. Baba Suwe, born Babatunde Omidina, was best known for the comic role he played in scores of movies – including those he produced. Mourning him has taken shades of reminisces for the actor who catered for Nigeria’s households viewing pleasure with his performances.

A senior media colleague in a post on his Facebook page must have captured the thoughts and minds of many. With his short but evocative tribute to the late Nollywood thespian, who was popular for his theatrics, he wrote that many grew up loving comedy, because Baba Suwe was an active player in the entertainment industry. “You dictated the pace, carved a niche, defined your style and set a standard eligible only for raw talents.” Baba Suwe was naturally gifted and truly made many smile and sometimes, laugh to stupour.
He had his definition for everything and created his own lexicon as trademark. “Put succinctly, you stood out from the lot”, the colleague added. “The last two times I saw you, I prayed God to give you peace and rest and I think that prayer has just been answered. We certainly won’t forget you, Baba Suwe. An era comes to a deserving end.” True to him, Baba Suwe was thoroughly exemplary and unique for having a definition for everything and created his own lexicon which made it his bouquet of trademarks.
Witty and energetic, Baba Suwe was a delight to watch on the screen during his heyday. As one of the most iconic Yoruba actors, producer, theatre practitioner, humour merchant, Baba Suwe brought laughter and joy to homes. Until his success streak was dimmed some years ago when he was held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on suspicion of drug trafficking. He was suspected to have ingested several wraps of cocaine and was kept under surveillance by the agency for three weeks.
With the assistance of his lawyer, the late Bamidele Aturu, a human rights activist, the allegation was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of a Lagos High Court. The court ordered his release and instructed the NDLEA to pay him N25 million as compensation. His fans and supporters cheered him as he left the court building after the hearing.

In 2013, the Appeal Court struck out the compensation ruling, insisting that the anti-narcotic agency violated no law in keeping Omidina in custody all through the investigation period. The actor had said in interviews that the experience crippled his health. His health would become a public discourse in 2019, when friends solicited funds for his medical treatment. Through the generosity of well-meaning Nigerians like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Billionaire Femi Otedola and Reverend Esther Ajayi, amongst others, he was flown to the United States for the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. He returned to the country a month later.
Until his death, Baba Suwe’s regret was that he did not receive the N25 million compensation court ordered the NDLEA to pay him. He lamented in a report that the death of Bamidele Aturu, his lawyer, was a blow to efforts toward getting the compensation. “If my lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, was still alive, I will have got my compensation a long time ago because he is a good lawyer. He is also a compassionate person. The man was nice. When we were in court, he really tried. If he was alive, I would have been compensated,” he had said.
In 2019, he also echoed his regret of not getting the compensation and cried out during an interview while soliciting funds to enable him to access good health care. “After all this, I haven’t received the N25 million compensation. Please don’t let me die this way. I can’t lie, see how I am looking,” he had said. “I slumped when I travelled and was admitted for about three weeks. They asked me if I was trafficking cocaine and I said no. I was examined and they didn’t see anything. After that, I requested to return to Nigeria.
After returning to Nigeria, I tried to walk on my own but I was staggering; that’s how I started using the walking stick. When I returned to America, they said I needed to do surgery and that it would cost a lot. When I approached people, they said they didn’t have money so I couldn’t raise as much money as I needed. I need help from my fans so that I can take care of myself.” The ace actor eventually passed on this week at 63 after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Baba Suwe was born on August 22, 1958, at Inabere Street, Lagos Island. He hailed from Ikorodu LGA in Lagos state.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/11/27/baba-suwe-exit-of-a-comic-legend

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says boosting productivity through value addition is key in the implementation strategies of the country’s new medium-term plan, the National Development Plan 2021-2025 (NDP 2021-2025).

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Lagos at the 2021 Presidential Policy Dialogue organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI.

“The cornerstone of the strategy is boosting productivity by focusing on value addition as the guiding principle for all sectors, especially agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality and entertainment; value added is the key.

“In agriculture, for example, just as we try to increase production, say, of rice, we are paying equal attention to the value chain such as storage, transportation, processing, marketing; the introduction of commodity market—we have two private ones now and the public one.”

Vice President Osinbajo explained that similar measures were being taken in the mining sector, where government recognizes that exploitation and extraction would not create jobs.

“Our aim is to focus on resources beneficiation and of course development of the local industry so that we can create wealth all along the mineral value chain,” he stated.

Restating the strategic objectives of the NDP 2021-2025, which “Include establishing a strong foundation for a diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure, enabling human capital development and improving governance and strengthening security,” Osinbajo said, “The implementation of the plan is expected to be supported by a range of measures of fiscal, monetary and trade measures including reformation of subsidy regimes and a better functioning foreign exchange market.”

Cardinal Principles

According to Prof. Osinbajo, there are a number of cardinal principles of the strategic direction of the NPD 2021-2025, among which is the centrality of job creation.

“All programmes and policies are viewed from the lens of the number of jobs, direct and indirect that they can create.

“This is important because it will also influence the sort of incentives that would be given sectors of the economy.

“Secondly, the loosening of restrictions on trade; we believe that generalized restrictions on trade are counter-productive, especially when they impede the ability of local industries to procure critical inputs.”

Prof. Osinbajo pointed out that the focus of government would be on allowing import of goods to which value can be added before domestic consumption or export.

“When implemented in full, the strategic orientation of becoming a value-adding economy will help create a high number of jobs.”

Other principles of the NDP 2021-2025 that the vice president listed were the promotion of business friendly environment, ending and accelerating the growth of the Nigerian digital economy.

He said the plan, “Envisages a movement away from a strategy of managing limited supplies to one of expanding the supply base of food and manufactures as well as with regard to electricity supply, petroleum products and foreign exchange. It also prioritizes the exports of goods and services beyond crude oil.”

Prof. Osinbajo said that the success of the NDP 2021-2025 would depend greatly on strong partnership between the public and private sectors.

“The new National Development Plan envisages an investment commitment of N348 trillion over the plan period of which it is expected that Government at all levels will come up with about N49.7 trillion or about 14% while the private sector is expected to invest N298 or about 86%.

“This government has always emphasized that the private sector has a key role to play in our efforts to build a more resilient and competitive economy.

“Private companies are engaged in design, construction, logistics and financial components of national infrastructural projects just as we are fully conscious that good infrastructure is vital to enable the private sector to be efficient and competitive, we also see their role in all the sectors of the economy.

“This is why we are now able to use the Abuja-Kaduna railway and Lagos-Ibadan railway and talk about near completion dates for the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Expressway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.

“The infrastructure story will be taken up a notch higher when Infraco, the N15 trillion naira infrastructure fund being set up in partnership with the private sector takes off fully.”

AfCTA Negotiations

Calling on the private sector to contribute to the articulation of the national trade strategy and provide support to Nigeria’s negotiators in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, AfCTA, Vice President Osinbajo urged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the free trade area.

“As things stand, negotiations on the Rules of Origin which are very important for boosting local production are at about 87.65% complete with outstanding work of about 10% on textiles and 2% relating to automobiles.

“In the services, 41 countries have made offers but which are still to be verified. The Phase 2 negotiations on investment, intellectual property, competition are at early stages while talks on Women and Youth in Trade and Digital Trade are yet to start.”

In her remarks, the President of the LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian government at fixing the economy.

She said the approval of the NDP 2021-2025 by the Federal Executive Council to succeed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP 2017-2020 was an indication of government’s clear and deliberate efforts at managing the economy.

“We urge the government to establish a monitored implementation mechanism that will guarantee the delivery of positive impact of the plan.”

Delight Over Subsidy Removal

Listing the LCCI priorities that would ensure enabling business environment in Nigeria, Mrs. Mabogunje expressed delight at the “Proposed removal of fuel subsidy after a long drawn delay,” and recommended “Corresponding investment in transport infrastructure to ease movement, create more transport choices and thereby reduce the cost of transportation and logistics.”

She also commended the passage and signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Bill and urged the federal government to ensure that the suspension of the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation does not hinder the implementation of the Act.

The LCCI president also spoke on the need for regular engagements between the government and the private sector; digital national assets register; the establishment of the Special Economic Zones, Climate Change, among others.

In the lead private sector remarks, the Group Chairman, Nigeria Exchange Group, Otunba Abimbola Ogunbajo stated that technology would be the driver of advancements in the years ahead.

He called on businesses in Nigeria to leverage technology and digitalization to grow their businesses.

There was also a dialogue session during which Vice President Osinbajo answered questions on various aspects of the Nigerian economy.

https://von.gov.ng/2021/11/26/productivity-value-addition-key-to-development-plan-vp-osinbajo/

kikikikikikikikikikikiki, I can't laugh o.who are you self? You better think before YOU talk

Buhari/Osinbajo administration will continues exploring the vast opportunities in this country.

The youths are the leaders of tomorrow and we have to be proactive in our deaings

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the present administration is grooming and positioning young people to take up leadership roles through a number of programmes.
The vice president, who was represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan stated this at the 2021 Annual Directors’ Conference of the Institute of Directors, held in Abuja.

Osinbajo said the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P) being implemented through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation was to identify and train 100 middle Level officers on grade Level 10-14 within the public service annually and enhance their leadership potentials.
Other leadership development programmes, he added, is the Build Your Brand (BYB) initiative which is a leadership development programme designed for young business leaders.

The NextGen Leaders Programme, he added, is an inter-Generational mentoring and networking programme that mobilises and connects youth with structured support system from committed adults to remove impediments to their growth while the youth also support teenagers who are about to become youth.

The two initiatives are being driven by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Also, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the vice president said the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is being implemented to build a workforce of young and competent individuals that can champion economic growth and diversification through research, skills development and innovations.

“The programme is also intended to ensure that young individuals are equipped to properly understand the challenges and dynamics of public sector management and administration,” he added.

According to him, in 2018, the “Not too Young to Run” bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari dropped the age qualification for the office of the President from 30 to 40 years; Governor from 30 to 35, Senate 30 to 35 and House of Representatives 25 to 30.
The federal government has initiated a Young Aspirant Leadership Fellowship (YALF) to complement efforts towards driving the legislation, he added.

“These and many more actions too numerous to mentioned are aimed at engaging the younger generation and giving them required exposure to enable them take up leadership positions” he further said.

Osinbajo urged the Institute of Directors to remain proactive and be in the forefront of promoting effective governance through the mentorship and building of the capacity of younger talents.


https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/11/25/fg-grooming-youths-for-national-leadership-role-says-osinbajo/

The most important thing is that we need to document our history and culture and we need to bring pride to our heritage because if you don’t write your history, the enemy will write it in a wrong way and it will affect your pride.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, urged Yoruba sons and daughters and the International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture at the University of Ibadan (UI) to join in the global movement to champion the return of artefacts that were plundered, looted or illegally taken away from the country.

This also came as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) stressed the need for preservation of the Yoruba culture.

They made the call during the presentation and launching of the International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture (ICYAC) at the UI, Ibadan, the state capital.
Osinbajo said: “The Centre should offer a destination for mission of discovery by the very many Africans in Diaspora who trace their origins to the Yoruba people and promote closer links between the Yoruba people in the homeland and their kin in the Diaspora but more importantly provide a crucial pillar in the global attempt to build social and economic bridges between people of African descent everywhere in our world. And while we are at it, you must join in the global movement to champion the return of artefacts that were plundered, looted or illegally taken away from these shores.”

Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa; Abiodun by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Makinde by his deputy, Rauf Olaniyan; all said the Yoruba must preserve their heritage.

The Alaafin stressed the need for Yoruba to preserve their culture and heritage. He said that modern system of government had been part of Yoruba political system before the advent of colonialists.
Oba Adeyemi maintained that the ICYAC would be a focal point of return and restitution of stolen archives and artefacts.

On his part, Gani Adams said: “We need to document our history and culture and we need to bring pride to our heritage because if you don’t write your history, the enemy will write it in a wrong way and it will affect your pride. Yoruba is one of the most important races in the world. This is a race that has been in existence for more 15,000 years. We have a lot of things to document so that the global village can know our importance and where we are coming from.”

The convener, Mr. Alao Adedayo, said that the centre would help to promote the preservation of Yoruba culture, tradition and religion.

Adedayo, who is the publisher of Alaroye newspapers, said: “The idea was first conceived in 2014 with the desire to create a place where researchers could conduct and complete works on the history, arts and culture of the Yoruba.”

“The Centre will promote and propagate our history, culture and tradition. This will teach the younger generation about our past as a tolerant and peaceful race. This will promote the unity, progress and prosperity of this country.”

https://guardian.ng/news/osinbajo-tasks-yoruba-indigenes-on-return-of-stolen-artefacts/

We need to focus more on our culture and it is not only for past event but is constantly creating and recreating as well

The work of centers such as the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture could become a base for how culture can help in building a more inclusive, fairer, and more just society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who was speaking this afternoon at the launch of the Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that the Centre could strengthen the bonds of unity within an ethnically diverse nation such as Nigeria.

“The work of this Centre should also offer a base and sanctuary which reflects how Yoruba culture can contribute to the tools of nation-building,” the VP stated.

Reflecting on President Muhammadu Buhari’s observation in 2018 that the rest of Nigeria could learn from the accommodating nature of Yorubas in South West regardless of religion, ethnicity, and politics, Prof. Osinbajo asked, “how can the rest of the nation learn as President Buhari observed, from the way Yorubas manage within their families to accommodate diverse faiths and beliefs?

“At a more reflective level, we will through this repository and the traditions embedded in the artworks and cultural artefacts, imbibe the triumphs, challenges, inventions, and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people.

"And how here at home, Yoruba culture also had to adapt to the onslaught of colonialism in Nigeria by the British and in Benin and Togo by the French. In 'Death and the King’s Horseman', a classic play by Professor Wole Soyinka, we see forces at work that tried to adapt cultural practices with tragic consequences.”

Highlighting the Omoluabi philosophy of the Yoruba people, which is used to describe a person of integrity, trust and honour, the VP observed that, “in a nation dogged by the abdication of high values especially in leadership, perhaps the Centre might take on the task of formalizing the pedagogy on the concept of Omoluabi for teaching in our schools. Omoluabi, the true moral quintessence of the Yoruba race - the virtuous man, or the man or woman of character.

“Perhaps scholars here will distill the heart of the Omoluwabi ethos, and reveal the attributes of trustworthiness, reliability, honesty, and forthrightness for coming generations of Nigerians. Perhaps the world needs to know that the Omoluabi is one whose word to brother and stranger alike is reliable, who believes in the equality of all men regardless of race or belief, and that all deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. One who believes that the commonwealth is not to be stolen or personalized, but it is for the good of all."

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that “culture is not just about the past, and it is neither static nor immutable, it is constantly creating and recreating;” and “progress is not merely determined by fidelity to tradition, but by our capacity for invention and reinvention.”

Prof. Osinbajo further said Nigeria could further leverage its diversity to harness strength and raise development capital.

As the VP observed, a continuously changing global landscape and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made it more vital to adapt to technological innovation changing at lightning speed.

According to him “the future of mankind is at an inflexion point with COVID-19 and climate change already disrupting life as we know it. To cope well, we must draw strength from our cultural capital - the wealth of tangible and intangible knowledge that emanates from a society’s core and enables it to cope with change.

“One of the tasks of scholars, enthusiasts, and citizens interested in understanding the Yoruba heritage is to use culture as a tool for helping us discern our place in the world and to rekindle our visionary capabilities. This intent is inherent in the design and work of this Centre.”

On the potential impact of the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the World Centre will therefore serve not just as a place of memory, but as a place that inspires us and fires our collective imagination, even within the dynamic contexts of advances in technology, ideas and thought.”

Beyond being a place for the study of Yoruba arts and culture, he also stated that the Centre could join the advocacy for the return of artefacts to their original homes, while also becoming a destination point for many Africans in Diaspora to trace their origins to the Yorubas.

Equally, the Centre should also promote closer links between the Yoruba people in the homeland and their kin in the diaspora, he added.

The VP commended the visioners of the Centre, particularly Mr. Alao Adedayo, who is also the Publisher of Alaroye Newspapers, for the boldness and ambition of their enterprise, as well as the enormous self-sacrifice and patriotism that it entailed.

“You have initiated a place that will give context and depth to our understanding of our past, our place and role in the present, and hopefully our preparation for the future. A place that will help tell a fuller, deeper and richer story of a proud, creative, and colorful people, but also of the rich tapestry of cultures, races, ethnicities, and faiths of which they are a part,” he added.

Also at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III praised the idea of the Center while highlighting the pride of place that Yoruba people hold in Nigeria and around the world. Referring to a recent speech by the VP detailing how young Nigerians are making global waves in technology and innovation, the Alaafin said such exploits by many young Yoruba youths show the high esteem of the Yoruba people.

The Alaafin, who spoke in Yoruba, also called for the preservation of Yoruba customs and traditions.

“Considering the rate at which things move these days, it will be disastrous allowing our traditions go into oblivion in the face of permissiveness. Languages often hold the record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, praise, poetry and ancient traditions, " the prominent Yoruba monarch said.

He also observed that with the gradual extinction of a language, humanity could lose access to local understanding of plants, animals, and ecosystems, some of which have important medicinal value, and many of which remain undocumented by science.

In his remarks, Mr. Alao Adedayo, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Centre and Publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, said, the centre was set up to preserve in one place, the culture, tradition, language of a people, adding that it will also promote the idea of Yoruba people coming together to achieve things and help in nation building.

Alao also emphasised that the centre would be to serve as a one-stop shop, offering old, new, recreated and reconstructed materials for researchers, lecturers, students, authors, journalists, historians and members of the public interested in Yoruba history, arts and culture as a tool for nation building, national cohesiveness and mutual understanding.

Others speakers at the event which attracted different groups from the Southwest States, Kwara and beyond were the deputy governors of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan; Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, among other dignitaries also attended and spoke at the ceremony.



*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*23rd November, 2021*

This is not true

A man of his word, a man of action , 2023 Aso rock direct

Many support groups and a legion of supporters of the Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Tuesday, flooded the presentation and launching of the Yoruba World Centre project known as the International Center For Yoruba Arts and Culture (NCEYAC) in Ibadan.

The arrival of Vice President Osinbajo to the programme which kicked off 11:00 a.m. at John Paul 11 Hall, opposite U.I Bookshop, University of Ibadan, was greeted with a rousing fanfare by the general audience happy to behold the physical presence of Nigeria’s second-in-command at the event.

On his arrival, Vice President Osinbajo, was ushered in to the Ibadan campus by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, and other management staff members of the institution, to the novel event which began under the chairmanship of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who also at the event.

Prior to the arrival of the Vice President as the Special Guest of Honour, the event had witnessed a massive political campaign of songs for the Vice President by different support groups, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) and many of his supporters.


https://thedailyleaks.com/2023-pyo-support-groups-flood-yoruba-world-centre-event-say-osinbajo-will-perform-as-president/

Happy 70th anniversary to coca cola

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that the Federal Government will donate 10 million LPG cylinders in a year through certified marketers in 12 pilot states.

He disclosed this at the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sensitisation under the theme: “Stimulating Delta state’s socio-economic growth through LPG adoption and expansion”, on Monday, in Asaba, Delta State, according to NAN.

The programme was organised by the National LPG Expansion Implementation Plan (NLEIP) under the Office of the Vice President.
He revealed that Nigeria had proven gas reserves of 260 trillion cubits feet (tcf) and unproven reserve of 600tcf, and that the country needs to maximize its use.

Osinbajo said, “Nigeria is gas rich as well as oil. Unfortunately, the concentration has been on oil, when we have 260tcf of proven gas reserves and 600tcf unproven gas reserves. All those figures will remain statistics unless we do something about it.
A state like Delta is crucial because of the abundant gas available here. Gas flaring must come to an end and we must make use of resources that will come from ending gas-flaring.

“This programme is crucial because of the several advantages attached to usage of gas: the same cooking gas can be used to power vehicles. The power sector can also take advantage of the same LPG.

“Delta being one of the 12 pilot states, two from each geopolitical zone, where for the next one year, we will concentrate on making sure that both the state, industry and the people enjoy the advantages of this fuel.
“It was set up in 2017, and it was critical for us to look at the regulatory environment and also a way that distribution of gas is carried out in the country.

“Today, you buy your cylinder, I buy my cylinder, that is about to change that is why the 12 pilot states were chosen, so from consumer-cylinder-owned model, we are hoping to transit to marketers’ cylinder-owned model.”

He also added that the regulations for LPG cylinders states that five years after manufacture, the cylinder is supposed to recertified. 10 years after, reverify that cylinder, and 15 years after, that cylinder should be scrapped.

Osinbajo said that the FG has engaged two plants to manufacture cylinders and will inject five to 10 million cylinders within the 12 pilots states in the next one year.

“The marketer will be given these cylinders and they are responsible to ensure that the cylinders get to your homes”, the vice president said.
Nairametrics reported earlier this year that the Federal Government disclosed that it is planning to launch Liquefied Petroleum Gas distribution channels in every local government in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva revealed that the ministry is targeting to ameliorate the energy challenge in Nigeria and clean cooking gas is key in this regard because 70% of greenhouse emissions are caused by deforestation.


https://nairametrics.com/2021/11/23/lpg-vice-president-says-fg-plans-to-inject-10-million-gas-cylinders-in-12-states/

Make God help Osinbajo

This is fantastic ,the Yorubas are to encourage their culture as to recon with, I like listening to Professor Yemi Osinbajo's speech

I dont have anybody other than Osinbajo

Nigeria need to focus on our local goods and begins to export ASAP so as to generate more income ( FX) as well

This is a kind of man Nigerians need to be our president because he has done so much and still counting

His activities goes thus:

14th November
Vice President Osinbajo attended the thanksgiving service for Senator Utazi at Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro.

15th November
On behalf of President Buhari, VP Osinbajo attended the 2021 All Nigeria Judges’s Conference in Abuja.

16th November
Vice President Osinbajo virtually declared open SON Open day with MSME’s at the Statehouse, Abuja.

• Attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Strategy Dialogue on Nigeria.

• And delivered Keynote remarks at the 5th Annual Mining Week Discourse series.

17th November
The Vice President joined the Federal Executive Council Meeting presided over by President Buhari.

• He also paid a condolence visit to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Family and the Dantata family on the loss of their son, brother and husband Mr. Sani Dangote in Kano State.

18th November
• VP Osinbajo presided over NEC

• He attended President Buhari's Presidential Parley with the participants of the Senior Executive Course 43(2021) of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS ) Kuru at the Statehouse, Abuja.

• Received the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting occasioned the signing of the 2021 – 2026 Development Objectives Assistance Agreement (DOAG) between the United States, acting through the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

19th November
VP Osinbajo attended as Chairman, the Justice Symposium 2.0 to mark the 70th birthday of Chief Wole Olanipekun.

20 November
He attended the Funeral Service of Late Captain Joseph Din in Jos, Plateau State.

• And also NIPSS Graduation Ceremony in Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

The recently approved 2021 – 2025 National Development Plan will usher a new season of accelerate growth in Nigeria because of its focus on value addition as major pivot to boost productivity in all sectors, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Saturday at the graduation ceremony of participants of the Senior Executive Course 43 (2021) of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) In Kuru, Jos.

“If we are to inaugurate a new age of accelerated growth then we must adopt a new strategic direction and policy orientation. This is precisely what the Federal Government seeks to do through the National Development Plan 2021-2025, which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council,” the VP stated.

In the speech, the VP cited the emergence of Unicorns from Nigeria, observing that “six of those companies started between 2016 in the middle of two recessions and the global health crisis." (A Unicorn is a company with a valuation equal to or greater a billion dollars.)

He submitted that some of the successes recorded by those Unicorns- Nigerian start-ups owned by young men and women, can be attributed to providence and good policies.

According to him, such companies named Unicorns in Nigeria emerged between 2016 and 2021. The companies the VP listed are:
1.Opay
2. Paystack
3. Flutterwave
4. Andela
5. Piggyvest and
6. Jumia.

He explained further: “What is responsible for some of these successes? Providence and good policies. Providence because COVID-19 was a boom period for online payment systems. Policy, because Mr. President approved the establishment of a Technology and Creativity Advisory Group that helped to formulate new banking policies to accommodate new tech-enabled payment systems, such that these tech companies could process payments without being full-scale banks.”

The Vice President then disclosed that, “in terms of strategic direction, the cornerstone of our strategy is boosting productivity by focusing on value addition as the guiding principle for all sectors, especially agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality and entertainment.”

Prof. Osinbajo pointed out how the Plan aims to boost productivity in some of these key sectors such as agriculture and mining.

“In agriculture, for example, just as we seek to increase the production of rice, we are paying equal attention to other parts of the value chain such as storage, transportation, processing and marketing.

“Similarly, in the mining sector, we recognize that exploitation and extraction will not create jobs. Our aim is to focus on resource beneficiation, local industries, thereby creating wealth along the mineral value chain,” he explained.

The Vice President explained that the strategic direction of the Development Plan is hinged on major indices, including (direct and indirect) job creation, relaxing trade restrictions, improving tax administration and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

In line with the Plan’s focus on value addition and loosening restrictions on trade, the VP highlighted the Bangladesh example, noting that “Bangladesh only grows 2% of its annual cotton requirement and imported $11.8 billion worth of textiles and apparel while it exported about $31 billion worth of garments in 2019.”

He further said that “generalised restrictions on trade are counter-productive when they impede the ability of local industries to procure critical inputs.”

“Our focus instead will be on allowing imports of goods to which value can be added before domestic consumption or exportation. For example, importing cotton for garment making might be smarter than insisting on growing all your cotton,” he observed.

Noting that the major fiscal policy challenge facing Nigeria was inadequate revenues, especially with lower oil revenues, Prof. Osinbajo pointed out the need to improve the country’s tax administration through “vigorous collection of all revenues due to the Federal Government from its Ministries, Departments and Agencies; bringing all high earning agencies into the Federal budget.”

He also advocated for a reduction in customs duties and tariffs on raw materials and intermediate goods used in manufacturing to boost local productivity, “while giving reciprocal, non-tariff-based support like procurement, subsidies and tax breaks to priority sectors.”

In creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, the VP emphasized that “we need to eliminate red tape, extortion and harassment of small businesses which increases their costs.”

The Vice President’s speech also focused on Nigeria’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the future; response to the economic downturn in the aftermath of the pandemic, the issue of continuous growth and the future of youth employment.

Recalling how the country tackled the socio-economic effects of the pandemic, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized the important steps promptly taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a committee chaired by the VP which designed the N2.3 trillion stimulus plan - Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), as well as the previous inter-ministerial Committee headed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

“We were clear that the only way of avoiding an economic disaster that could last for years was for the government to essentially put forward a major fiscal stimulus plan. Such a plan must have clear objectives of saving jobs and creating new ones, supporting businesses that may close down, and employees that may not be paid during lockdowns, and, of course, healthcare support to reduce the COVID-19 caseload,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

The VP also recalled how the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, as well as the lessons from the 2014 Ebola outbreak helped Nigeria tackle the pandemic.

“We were able to scale up on testing and case management capacity quickly, activating 120 laboratories nationwide from five just before the pandemic – most of them public laboratories.

“One of the key lessons we learned from our response to the Ebola outbreak was the need to build systems in ‘peace time’ that can be used during outbreaks. The President also directed the setting up of the locally and internationally acclaimed Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, which swiftly issued and enforced COVID protocols for travel and general movement,” he said.

The VP also highlighted the impressive work done by Nigerian scientists and institutions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. He noted the efforts of Prof. Christian Happi-led team at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), at Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State (sample analyses and ground-breaking rapid test); and Professor Y.K Ibrahim-led team at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (mass testing).

He observed that the state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained scientists at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, Abuja, put it among the best prepared and resourced of its kind in Africa.

Addressing the Senior Executive Course 43 (2021) participants, the Vice President congratulated them for their “well researched and thought-provoking presentation to Mr. President on “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria.”

While he reminded the participants that they were “graduating at probably the most consequential period in Nigeria’s history; a time of immense challenges, but even more enormous opportunities,” the VP urged them as members of Nigeria’s foremost think-tank to find more ways to inspire growth and productive leadership across all sectors.

‘Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st November, 2021

Honestly the teachers should be giving huge remuneration and a conducive environment to teach ,good remuneration will encourage and facilitate their mode of teaching

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba has disclosed that plans are underway to begin Teachers Exchange Program with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to develop digital literacy capacity of teachers in Nigeria.

Nwajiuba, stated this in Abuja on Saturday while monitoring the conduct of the Teachers Professional Qualifying Examination PQE organized by Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

The Minister said they are working out details to use digital bridge institutes across the six geo-political zones to enhance the computer knowledge of the Nigerian teachers.

Nwajiuba also disclosed that the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria TRCN has been mandated to work with the Nigerian Union of Teachers NUT to activate the One teacher One Computer programme.
The Federal Ministry of Education will enable laptop vendors to vend to teachers and we will give them a period of time two to four years period of time to complete the payment, we have finished carrying out interviews for the vendors we just want the NUT and TRCN to conclude,” he said.
The Minister who applauded the conduct of the PQE, said he identified professional knowledge and teacher competence in the computer based examination.

” We took time to review what TRCN has put in place for the conduct of PQE, we observed that the teachers are being conducted in a workable manner and the integrity of the exam is commendable, we also came to inspect and see what may be the gaps in the way are as we access them”.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, hinted that the Career Path Progression for teachers in Nigeria has been approved at the government and National Council on Establishment level.

“We decided to resuscitate teaching profession in Nigeria through additional incentives and career paths to ensure that teachers are actually specialized in specific areas and individuals in teaching profession will now follow through a particular career path , we will now have people who will make specialise in School administration, curriculum and special skills,” he said.

TRCN Director Certification and Licensing, Dr Jacinta Ogboso, said a total number of 12,586 candidates across 35 states and the FCT registered for the PQE nationwide aside Zamfara state due to the security challenge facing the state.

Ogboso attributed the reduction in the numbers of candidates who registered for the November 2021 PQE to previous surge the council had registered saying that a good number of teachers in Nigeria have been registered.

I also saw it in my dream that Osinbajo is our next President by God grace

This is a good question, definitely Osinbajo will by the ratio 80 :20, tbat is Osinbajo 80% and Atiku 20%

Our judicial system need be reformed and fast track

We have Prof Osinbajo standby as our next president and hoping to get more responsible and religious men on ground

Honestly we all aware how Boko Haram is terrorizing Nigerians most especially in Northern part of the country but this administration is trying all what they could to curb it